Chapter 16: The Drive and the Signal Adrienne paced the bridge, her jaw tight, her arms crossed over her chest as the faint hum of life returned to the ship. The emergency lights still cast eerie shadows, but systems were beginning to flicker back to life. It wasn’t enough to feel safe, but it was something. Sarai and Gabe stood near the central console, both avoiding Adrienne’s piercing glare. Gabe had one hand resting on the edge of the console, the other holding his diagnostics pad, while Sarai kept her arms at her sides, trying to project calm. But Adrienne could see through it. "You knew?" Adrienne’s voice was low, sharp, cutting through the tense silence. "Both of you knew about the warp drive, and no one thought to tell me?" Gabe cleared his throat, shifting uncomfortably. "It wasn’t our choice, Captain. This was above mission clearance." "Above mission clearance? I’m the captain ! My job is to make decisions that keep this crew alive, and ...